As UNMIL Effects Draw Down Plan: Defense Urges EU For Non-Lethal Support

Liberia’s Defense Minister, Brownie J. Samukai, Jr., has called on the European Union (EU) for non-lethal support to Liberia’s security sector as UNMIL effects its draw down plan. Minister Samukai made these remarks when the European Union (EU) Ambassador accredited near this Capital, Tiina Intelmann, paid him a courtesy visit on Wednesday, April 22 at the Barclay Training Center in Monrovia.

The Minister said it is indispensible for the EU to lend logistical support as Liberia’s security sector prepares to play its constitutional role in protecting the strategic depth of the country.

According to Minister Samukai, excellent interactions among Defense Ministers of the Mano River Basin coupled with the democratic space, including freedom of speech, political tolerance among others, being provided by the current Liberian government serve as an incentive for the Liberian military to engage in community road rehabilitation rather than focusing on internal security matters which are in the purview of the law enforcement agencies.

In the words of Minister Samukai, “Given the quality of work being done in various communities by the Armed Forces of Liberia (AFL) Engineering Company in partnership with the Ministry of Public Works, particularly concerning road rehabilitation, all that is needed is capability enhancement and the AFL engineers will do more.”

The Minister assured the EU Ambassador that there is broad framework being crafted by the security sector of Liberia aimed at beefing up the numerical strength of various security agencies between now and 2016, as UNMIL draws down.

EU Ambassador Intelmann lauded Minister Samukai and the Defense family for the level of work being done and assured the minister that EU remains supportive of the Defense Ministry’s role in the infrastructural development of the country.

Meanwhile, Ambassador Intelmann through Minister Samukai has congratulated the people of Rivercess County for what she described as the “peaceful and orderly manner” in which the by-election was conducted in District Number Two.